
Mackay Cutters have confirmed Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months, strengthening the club’s youth education, wellbeing and leadership programs across the Mackay and Isaac regions. The partnership was launched last Friday at Moranbah State School, where Cutters Wellbeing and Education Manager Jack, alongside club staff and Stanmore leadership representatives, delivered a Cutters Care session to Year 5/6 Sports Boost students. “We’re proud to welcome Stanmore Resources as the official Cutters Care Delivery Partner for the next 12 months,” the club said. The program will continue to focus on helping young people build confidence, resilience and positive connections through sport and education-based initiatives. “Together, we'll continue delivering education, wellbeing and leadership programs to young people throughout the Mackay and Isaac regions, helping them build confidence, resilience and positive connections.” The Cutters said they look forward to continuing meaningful community impact and providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and thrive through the partnership. Photo source: Mackay Cutters (Facebook)
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The Whitsunday Sea Eagles made the trip to Bakers Creek on the weekend to take on the North Mackay Saints and the Bakers Creek Tigers, with all teams showcasing plenty of determination and competitive spirit throughout the day. The Under 13s were first into action against the Saints and produced a strong performance. After a hard-fought opening three quarters, the Sea Eagles trailed by just two points heading into the final term, keeping themselves firmly in the contest. Despite their efforts, the Saints managed to pull away late, with the match finishing 20-39. The Under 15s continued their impressive season with another dominant victory over the Saints. Controlling the game from start to finish, the Sea Eagles piled on 12 goals and 15 behinds while keeping their opponents to just two goals. Their teamwork, skill, and relentless pressure were on full display as they secured another convincing win 72-12 and further strengthened their position as one of the competition's top teams. The women's side faced a tough challenge against the Bakers Creek Tigers. The Sea Eagles fought hard and matched the Tigers aggression and determination, keeping the margin within three goals throughout the game. The players fought hard at every contest and never stopped competing. However, fatigue began to take its toll in the final quarter, allowing the Tigers to kick four late goals and extend the final margin to 0-43. The senior men's match provided plenty of excitement for supporters. The Sea Eagles burst out the gates in the opening quarter, dominating early play to establish a 15-0 lead at the first break. Carrying that momentum throughout the day, the men continued to work hard around the ground and were rewarded with a strong 52-25 victory over the Tigers. It was a complete team performance and a fitting way to finish a successful day for the club. Get down to The Nest this Saturday 27th June for Sponsor Appreciation Day and cheer on your Whitsunday Sea Eagles as they take on the Moranbah Bulldogs, Swagpies, and Magpies in a huge day of footy action. The junior fixtures kick off from 10:40am, showcasing the club's rising stars, before the senior teams take centre stage in what promises to be an exciting evening of football, with the Senior Women starting at 3:20pm and the Senior Men finishing under lights. Bring the family, wear your Sea Eagles colours, and get behind your local teams as they battle it out on home turf. We can't wait to see you at The Nest! Contributed by the Whitsunday Sea Eagles: Georgia Whitton
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The Mackay Softball Association has reflected on another competitive CQ Darby against Softball Rockhampton, with strong performances and continued rivalry highlighted across the weekend. Rockhampton arrived ready to play, producing a dominant display at the plate and taking victory in both games of the series. “The Rocky boys came ready to play, swinging the bats well and taking the win in both games,” the association said. Despite the results, Mackay praised the standard of competition and the spirit in which the games were played, with both clubs continuing to build on a long-standing regional rivalry. The association also acknowledged the contribution of Murray, thanking him “for all his help, guidance and support in coaching both teams throughout the weekend”. Off the field, community and hospitality remained a key feature of the event, with Jodie recognised for preparing meals for the visiting side. “Thank you to our own Jodie for feeding our the Rocky boys delicious pulled pork rolls,” the association said. The CQ Darby continues to be a highlight on the calendar for both regions, with Mackay Softball noting the blend of rivalry and mateship that defines the fixture. “These weekends are always a highlight on the calendar, and we love the rivalry, mateship and quality softball that comes with them.” The team is now looking ahead to the next meeting between the two clubs, with both sides eager for another competitive weekend of softball in Central Queensland. Photo source: Mackay Softball Association Incorporated (Facebook)
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Twenty-six Pairs competed in the Qualifying Championship Club Pairs on Saturday morning, with the top fourteen pairs then progressing to the Club Championship Pairs after lunch. Congratulations to Janine Rodgers and Nancy Martin who were the outright winners with 61.86 percent. Although Janine and Nancy are both very experienced players, however, this current partnership is a relatively new one. Well done ladies! Many hands of cards were played on the day and lots of delicious food eaten. Mackay Bridge Club is a very social and friendly club. Weekly Results Monday 15th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 2nd Janelle Conroy / Terry Sheedy 2nd Helen Van Den Breok / Jan Harris 3rd Monica Darley / Joy Block 3rd Marilin Robins / Mick Robins Evening 15th June 2026 – 6 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Faye Wright / Marilin Robins 1st Noel Bugeia / Eric Goodchild 2nd Janelle Conroy / Andrew Canavan 2nd Frances Brown / Ann Whitmore Wednesday 17th June 2026 – 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Noel Bugeia 1st Terry Sheedy / Mick King 2nd Joy Robinson / Robert Carless 2nd Sandy Patterson / Geoffrey Patterson 3rd Faith Hutchinson / John Hunt 3rd Janet Hansen / Alan Brown Thursday 18th June 2026 – Show Day - 10 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Alan Brown / Frances Brown 1st Eric Goodchild / Debra Goodchild 2nd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 2nd Janine Rodgers / Janelle Conroy 3rd Ming Ting / David Ting 3rd Mick King / Griffin Bancroft Friday 19th June 2026 –- Week 12 of 26 NWP - 9 Table Mitchell Green Points N/S E/W 1st Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 1st Lynne O’Neill / Roland Taylor 2nd Geoff Cowan / Mick King 2nd Nancy Martin / Kath Poole 3rd Monica Darley / Barbara Tait 3rd Susan Wright / Geoffrey Patterson Saturday 20th June 2026 – Club Championship Qualifying - 13 Table Mitchell Red Points N/S E/W 1st Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless 1st Noel Bugeia / Terry Sheedy 2nd Alan Brown / Frances Brown 2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 3rd Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin 3rd Joy Brunette / Helen Van Den Breok 4th Susan Ross / Geoff Cowan 4th Patricia Garner / Adrian Westcott 5th Annie Lynch / Sandra Morris 5th Ann Whitmore / Joy Block Saturday 20th June 2026 Club Championship Pairs Final – 7 Table Howe 1st Janine Rodgers / Nancy Martin 2nd Diane Holewa / Max Holewa 3rd Terry Sheedy / Noel Bugeia 4th Janelle Conroy / Robert Carless Contributed by Joy Block Nancy and Janine. Photo supplied
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Twilight Race: Another lovely afternoon on the water saw 17 boats and over 100 crew sailing on Pioneer Bay in last week’s Whitsunday Sailing Club twilight race.
It was great to see two new boats in the fleet, Matchless (Terry Stevens) and Fordplay (Grant Ford).
First away was the faster boats in Division 2, with Reignition (Charles Wallis) leading the fleet away. However, Bobby’s Girl (Mark Beale) led by the time they reached the first mark and never looked back, finishing almost 2 minutes ahead of the rest.
In the battle behind, Reignition briefly held off QMS Ponyo (John Galloway) with a slow starting Smooth Criminal (Leo Rodriguez / Iyas Shaheen) joining the battle. Houdini (Robert Meizer) finished just seconds ahead of Wide Load (Shannan Hart) at the end. On corrected time, Twister (Kevin Fogarty) took the honours.
Division 3 saw Masquerade (Tom Vujasinovic) lead the fleet away before being overtaken by Wobbly Boot (Craig Piccinelli), Matchless and Shiraz (John Cable). On the longer legs Aquatarius also got into the action, the light winds not helping the larger yacht. Ultimately Wobbly Boot and Matchless broke ahead of the fleet, with just 11 seconds separating them at the finish. On corrected time, Wobbly Boot took the honours.
Races start from 4:30pm each Wednesday afternoon, so those wishing to participate as crew need to be at the club by 3:00pm.
Contributed with thanks to Ross Chisholm
Houdini with crew on Trapeze
Wobbly Boot just holding off Matchless

The Cannonvale Cannons Swimming Club hosted its annual Awards Night on Saturday night with over 120 people present.
Jy Parkinson had an outstanding season and took out many of the top awards including The Sportsperson Award, Swim of the Year Award, and The 55 and 60 Club Awards for 100-metre Freestyle.
Coaches, Mark Erickson and Ken Crittenden thanked the Committee and parents for all their support throughout the season.
The coaches were astounded by the number of swimmers who achieved trophies this season.
Level 1 Trophies: Tiana Bell, Matilda Dennison, Ella Harland, Lilli Bond, Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Daniel Saunders, Taj Murray, Ehsan Helou and Jai Dennison.
Level 2 Trophies: Tora Delac, Scarlett Gascoyne, Remy Hedges, Holly Perrin, Sophie Fletcher, Don Algie, Jax Clayworth, Jacob Dewis, Oli Bond, Thomas Ganter, Austin Edwards-Bland, Charlie Doherty and Nelson Malady.
Level 3 Trophies: Jacob Bell and Jy Parkinson.
Top Senior and Junior Trainers: Nelson Malady, Tora Delac, Jy Parkinson and Holly Perrin.
The Mudie Family 70’s Club Awards (for swimming 100-metre under 70s): Anisa Helou, Lochlan Jamieson, Remy Hedges, Oli Bond, Mitchell Milostic, and Jacob Bell.
The Club Medal was awarded to: Eloise Chegwidden, Ruby Harland, Matilda Nicholes, Declan Dichiera, Rohan Gascoyne, Isabelle Pisaniello, Isaac Pisaniello, Nathan Saunders, Indi Smith, Abi Maher, Liam Filewood, Jack Ganter, and Lukas Trevaskis.
SNQ President, Theresa Manning presented Don Algie with a SNQ Record for his 25m Butterfly as 8-year-old in a time of 18.74sec.
Congratulations to all the swimmers and a big thank you to all the parents and volunteers.
Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Another full week started with the Ladies’ Divisions 1 and 4 travelling to North Mackay.
Only winners on the day were Div 4 team ably led by Elaine Kippen, with Robin Brown, Maureen Barnard, and Bev Taylor playing fantastic bowls winning on the last end by one.
It was a different result on Wednesday in Marian with Division 1 winning in three rinks for maximum points.
Men’s team playing Division 1 for the first year ended their season by finishing second.
Wednesday afternoon social bowls saw John Askew’s team winning easily with Paul Tobias and Russell Jackson.
Bright Victoria, Michael and Janet Jacometti from Mornington Peninsula, Phil Hancox from
Woonona NSW , Mick Foord from Bendigo Bowls Club all had a wonderful afternoon.
Saturday and Sunday saw seven rounds of the club’s June carnival with 16 teams playing from all parts of Queensland.
Victorious on the day was Rodney Howard’s undefeated team with John Brown playing out of his skin, the ever-reliable Russell Jackson, and Andrew Butler.
The annual carnival could not have gone ahead without Jill Spencer, John Askew, Linda Leycham, and Carol Crosbie.
Thanks to chefs Lyn Graham, Bev Taylor, Ladda Purdie, and Carol Crosbie for the delicious, home cooked meals.
Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson
Winners Rodney Howard, John Brown, Russell Jackson, and Andrew Butler being presented their prize money by Airlie Beach Bowls Chairman Ash Warland

Self-Selected Triples on Mondays are now well underway, with winners from Monday, June 6 R Hayton, Keith Armstrong, and Bob Dykstra, who defeated K Wallace, Sandra Snow, and Chris Frew.
Runners Up John Hayson and Allan Rolfe defeated Isobel Wheeler and Mark Drummond/
Others Pam Breakwell, Jack Stamp, and J Breakwell defeated Eileen Dunn, Peter Nesbitt, and G Coleman. Robyn Stitt, Marg Wilson, and Fely Duncan defeated Denis Donovan, Louise S/Collins, and Keith S/Collins.
Sugar Greg Colquhoun and Kennedy Whitton defeated T Mackall, Huie Nation, and Ian Best. Marcia Arthur, Kevin Daniels, and Geoff were other big winners, as well as R Gould, Gavin, and G Monroe.
Tuesday 7 June: Winners for the afternoon Denis Baxter Simon Fitzgerald Denis Madeley defeated Deb Beel Leon Fox Graham Brownell, G Detrey Marie Nesbit Bob Dykstra defeated Deb Retchless Heidi Reif Al Defrey, Robyn Stitt Mark Drummond Marg Wilson John Hayson Anne Penny Warren.
Fun Friday afternoons have begun, now running each week from 1pm, with first winner’s Robyn Stitt, Marie Nesbitt, and Mark Drummond.
Sunday: winners for the afternoon were Bill Parker, Ken Coad, Heidi Reif, and Ron Hyde.
Runners Up were Bill Myers, Carol Bellingham, Peter Nesbitt, and Al Defrey, with other winners Bob Russo, Vic Parmer, and Barry Beel.
June Walsh and Sugar Greg Colquhoun defeated J Defrey, Chris Robinson, and Kennedy Whitton, with Eileen Dunn, John Hayson, and Donna Leeson winners on the day, too.
Laurie Land, Mureen Hyde, and Graeme Read defeated John Breakwell, Peter Howie, and Steve Farrell to round out the week.
Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren
Ron Hyde, Heidi Reif, and Ken Coad

Wednesday’s competition at Bowen Golf Club was a single stableford event, with ladies’ winner Maree Uren 39 points, runner up Jane Seaborne 36 points.
Men’s winner on a countback was Jumbo Miller 39 points, runner up Brett Richards 39 points.
Saturday’s competition was a single stableford event sponsored by Rekenen Accountants, where Ladies’ winner Julie Martin finished with 36 points, followed closely by second place on a countback Penny Stewart 33 points, and third place Ruth Dunn 33.
Pin shots to Claire Garrod, Joy Hose, Paulette Barrett.
Lisa Raisbeck also had an IBP and won the Car wash voucher with her pin shot.
Men’s winner with a great score of 40 points was Graham Seaborne, followed on a countback by Alan Detrey 37, and Rodney Wells 37.
Pin shots to Rod Wells, Ross Peterson, Michael Heinrich, Marcus Yasso.
This weekend’s event is a single stableford event sponsored by P&O Meehan Menswear for the men and Commonwealth Bank for the ladies.
Contributed with thanks to Grace Nott
L-R ladies’ winner Julie Martin, Rekenen’s Julie Mawson, and Men’s winner Graham Seaborne

Last Tuesday, fourteen Proserpine’s Veteran golfers took their first trip away for the year to Home Hill.
The players had a very early start to meet the bus before the trip north where the condition of the course was in doubt.
Unfortunate overnight rain left the fourteen players nervous for the course quality, but the travelling band were lucky enough to have a clear day.
The course proved tricky for some, though, but Nick Apruzzese managed a great score of 38, with Vic Feldman 31 and Barry Mortimer 30 on a countback from Ken Granger 30.
Leanne Alexander continued her consistent performance with 35, Elsbeth Scotford 34 with Mandy Patterson 31.
Our only pin shot went to Elspeth on 4 and 13.
Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat
Men’s winner on the day Nick Apruzzese
Ladies’ winner on the day Leanne Alexander

Whitsunday Green’s weekly stableford was won by Jacob Nightingale on 24 points, followed by Ron Thynne on 21, and Glenn Scott on 20 points.
Fridays 9-hole was won by Mark Winter on 22 followed by Brad Low and Glenn Scott with 19 points however Brad won the countback.
Sunday was a huge, yet fun day of golf on the greens as 30 teams took part in the Lions group fundraiser (check out our page 18).
The winning team on the day was FLICK, a team made up of Justyn Durbin, James Millar, Scott Hayes Williams, and Scott Morrissey. James Millar even managed his first hole in one.
Second place was a team from Emerald known as the Broncos and third the Tassal Prawn Heads.
Gross off the stick winning team was the Pro Shop Bar made up of Andrew Farrow, Scott Smith, Ryan Wilkes, and Brooks.
Contributed with thanks to Kate Cross
James with his medal for the only hole in one at the Lions group fundraiser hosted by Whitsunday Green

Another great weekend for Whitsunday United with all Premier sides undefeated.
The U14 Premier side notched up another win, beating City Brothers 5-2 in what was an even game in the first half, although once the Whitsunday team got momentum, it was all over. Star of the game was Raf Gomez who scored two goals and was solid in defence. Jacob Logan scored two and Finlay Farrell added the extra.
U16 Prems faced City Brothers as well – they only team to have beaten them this year. The team contained an early onslaught from City with the game becoming an arm wrestle through the first half. Tyler Jankowski created some magic with a stunning free kick from long range finding the back of the net. Whitsunday kept the 1-0 lead until City equalised with 15 minutes to go.
They poured on the pressure but Mitchell Milostic was outstanding in goal making some miracle saves to keep his side in the game. Tate Butler was unstoppable and Rale Mudford had a cracker in defence.
The women had a mixed bag with Div1 going down to a very Strong Dolphins side. The local girls just couldn’t get any momentum. Conversely, the Premier girls had a great game looking unbeatable from the start. Sari Goodall was on fire, blowing the Country United side apart with her speed and power up front and scoring all four goals. Coach Peter Farrell was happy. "The build and support play from every single player was terrific" he said.
Men's Div1 scramble a team together at the last minute and took on Dolphins. Although going down 5-1, the score was not indicative of how close the two sides were. Shane Savy score the goal with a great header.
The Reserve Men put on a great show in front of the home crowd, surprising the Wanderers side that beat them last week.
The local lads played with speed and aggression and looked comfortable in front, although the visitors stayed in touch keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Jake Flaherty, Ben Seago (penalty), and James Vodicka all contributed to the 3-2 score line.
The Premier Men put on a goal scoring exhibition in front of a big home crowd. The boys played dazzling football and despite Wanderers making them work hard, the goals flowed freely.
Harry Hodgen was a stand-out with his pace, aggression and accuracy earning him another 3 goals. Jimmy McEvoy-Bowe, Jose Puentes and Ben Farrell added the extras. A highly entertaining game for the home side supporters, with more and more junior players coming to support the seniors
We have another massive home round next weekend at the Whitsunday Sports Park with the action starting from 11:30 with U14 Div 1 and on into the evening.
High Speed tussle between Kurt Ashley and a Wanderers player
Ben Seago slots away a penalty in the reserves
Images: Penny Grossi

Whitsunday Sea Eagles enjoyed footy back in paradise on Saturday with all five teams at home in Airlie Beach against Bakers Creek Tigers.
Coming off a bye, the Sea Eagles Senior Men were a little flat and struggled to match the Tigers’ intensity for the first quarter, being outscored three to zip.
Sea Eagles started the second on a mission to match the travelling side, and successfully managed three goals whilst holding Bakers Creek to a single point.
The home side kicked up a gear in the second half, shutting Bakers Creek down completely whilst working well with the ball and putting a further five goals on the board to come away 67–21 winners.
Sea Eagles Senior Women had a tough day against the ladder leaders who simply outplayed them. Sea Eagles managed to show improvement from last time they met, though, eventually seeing a 1–101 loss.
Sea Eagles Under 17s once again won comfortably. Keeping Bakers Creek scoreless in the first quarter whilst piling on six goals.
The U17s proceeded to shower the sticks throughout, with goals and points in even numbers ending with an 80–20 win.
After a fairly slow start the Sea Eagles Under 14s came out in the second half with purpose to win convincingly against Bakers Creek, 50–15.
Sea Eagles Under 12s soared at the nest this weekend, coming away more than comfortable winners against a scoreless Bakers Creek Tigers team 60–0.
Support Sea Eagles Under 14, Under 17 and Senior sides playing North Mackay Saints in Mackay this Saturday June 18, with Juniors from 10:15am and Seniors from 1:15pm at Zeolla Park.
U17s cruised to victory against Bakers Creek at the Whitsunday Sportspark last weekend
The home side managed an impressive 80-20 win
They made up one of three wins against Bakers Creek on the early-June fixtures

FRIDAY, JUNE 17
Rugby Union: Raiders Senior Men v Bowen Mudcrabs
Whitsunday Sportspark
7.00pm Introduction of the perpetual Eclipse Cup
Golf: BC Constructions 3 Ball Ambrose
Proserpine Golf Course
From 10.00am
Basketball: Friday Night Under Lights Whitsunday Basketball
Cannonvale State School
From 4.30pm
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
Football: Whitsunday United Football Club v Mackay Magpies
Whitsunday Sportspark.
U14 11.30am; U16, Division 1 Men at 3pm; Reserve Grade Men at 5pm; Premier Women 6pm; and Premier Men 7pm.
Golf: Ladies’ North QLD Golf Championship
Proserpine Golf Course
From 8.30am
Bowls: Proserpine Bowls B Singles Semi-Finals and Final Club Championship Singles
Proserpine Bowls
From 10.00am at 1.00pm.
Airlie Beach Parkrun
Coral Sea Marina
7.00am
SUNDAY, JUNE 19
Rugby League: Whitsunday Brahmans v Mackay Brothers
Les Stag Oval, Proserpine
U20’s at 11.30am; Reserve Grade at 1pm; and A Grade at 3pm.
Golf: Ladies’ North QLD Golf Championship
Proserpine Golf Course
From 8.30am
MONDAY, JUNE 20
Touch Football: Whitsunday Touch Grand Final
Whitsunday Sportspark
From 6pm
TUESDAY, JUNE 21
Whitsunday Netball Juniors
WEDESDAY, JUNE 22
Whitsunday Netball Seniors
Twilight Sailing
Whitsunday Sailing Club
4.30pm

It has been an interesting last three weeks for the Mama Africa Raiders since their win in Bowen, starting with the Whitsunday side travelling to Cathy Freeman oval on May 28.
Raiders fought it out in a tough draw with Slade Point - 24 all - with the game brought back from the brink of defeat by the mentally tough group of Raiders, including debutant to both the side and the sport of Rugby union, Riccie Arriola.
Best on field for that day was Andre Houston, Kainoa Close-Houston, and Rhys Ward.
The first June fixture on June 4 was due to be a home game against Mackay City Redmen but was forfeited at the last minute due to Cities being unable to field a team.
It was a letdown for Raiders who had been pumped up to play their archrivals for the first time in the season but gave an opportunity to rest a few niggly injuries.
June 11 saw Raiders Mackay, this time to play Brothers.
The game had been moved to Quarry Hill and the player bus decided it needed to have a rest on Friday night, which meant a mad rush to organise car pooling to travel.
It didn’t affect the result however, with Raiders winning 51-3.
The whole team played as one, with strong defence across the field and great tackling, all spurned on by the sides determined work on and off the ball for some timely turnovers.
The pressure was always on the Brothers attack to force errors, and The Raiders set pieces improved as the game progressed with the scrum again being a solid platform to work off.
Attack was scintillating with the eight tries for the day a sign of that, even though the wingers scored most of them, Ethan Hoffmann (1), Rhys Ward (2) and Jack Briskey (4).
The majority of these were finishing touches on hard-fought line breaks by forwards, as well as the centres.
Niall Clancy put away four conversions and a penalty goal in a stiff breeze that was blowing the length of the field all game.
Best on field was a tough choice -Jack Briskey with 4 tries, Kumya Gabey and Nate Williams making line breaks with every carry, Hone Casey-Bloomer putting in some big hits, fantastic aerial manoeuvres as well as big carries and work rate across the field.
Grant Restieaux had a fantastic first game of the year, and the bench players certainly made their presence none.
Hone Casey-Bloomer came away with the three points in the end, Nate Williams two points, and Kumya Gabey one point.
Big tackles were the order of the day when Raiders met Brothers at Quarry Hill
The home side were water-tight in their 51-3 win after time away from the field

It’s been at least half a decade since the Whitsundays has had a footballing prodigy, but young local soccer player Kai Draper is looking the part with his selection in the schoolboys North Queensland side.
The 12-year-old Whitsunday United Football Club player is the first from the region to be selected for the team in five years or more.
At Whitsunday trials played in Ayr in late May, the Proserpine born and bred youngster impressed selectors enough to nab his spot after five games against teams from Townsville, Burdekin, Charters Towers, and Herbert River.
He was one of 90 boys at the trials.
A midfielder by trade, Kai has played the sport “since he could walk” and has always had a love for the world game.
He played at Airlie Beach Football Club in his formative years before graduating to Whitsunday United, and also trains with the Magpies Crusaders United Academy Under 12 team twice a week.
The St. Catherine’s Catholic College student will pull on the North Queensland kit when he heads to Brisbane in July for the State Championships.
“My friends were really supportive when I made the team – but maybe they were a bit jealous,” Kai laughed.
“I was so excited to get through this year and for me the goal is to make the Queensland team by performing well in Brisbane.”
Kai’s family has a pedigree in the footballing world: mum is an avid women’s footballer at Whitsunday United, Dad played at the club in yesteryears, and his grandad made an appearance for England Under 17s.
Whitsunday United Football Club President Peter Farrell said it was excellent that the club has helped produce a North Queensland representative footballer for the first time in years.
“We’re very proud and it really highlights our club’s growing ability to coach potential young superstars,” Mr Farrell said.
“What I really want to say to all young players is: make sure you have the right attitude. That will take you very far in both football and life.
“Well done, Kai.”
Kai Draper is the first Whitsunday soccer player to make the North Queensland side in recent memory

Regional athletes will have the opportunity to run, jump and throw among the best in the Pacific this week, with a strong contingent of Mackay region athletes selected in the Regional Australia team for the 2022 Oceania Athletics Championships.
These athletes have been selected in Senior, Under 20, Under 18 or Para grades and doesn’t include the large group of masters athletes who will be competing for Australia in the event, or the Under 16’s who are taking part in a team-based competition.
Mackay region athletes competing for Regional Australia this week are:
James Galea (Discus, Shot Put, Hammer Throw), Jarves Robin (100m, 200m), Oliver Rule (1500m, 2000m Steeplechase), Toby Rule (1500m, 2000m Steeplechase), Cayleb Ticehurst (400m), Elizabeth Lee (Long Jump, High Jump), Mikayla Webb (100m, 200m), Sachini Godamunne (100m, 200m), Ngakau Ufton (100m, 200m), Nathaniel Benjamin-Beer (Javelin), Kayce Hoani-Vincent (Pole Vault) and Liam Mumford (800m).
Not pictured is Sachini Godamunne.
Mackay athletes selected in the Regional Australia team

This week at the Mackay Contract Bridge Club saw many players competing in Club, Zone and Nationwide competitions.
Monday was day three of the three-week Remembrance Pairs Competition. Final Cumulative results saw Joy Robinson taking out overall first prize.
Weekly Results
Monday 30 May 22 – Cumulative overall winner Remembrance Pairs
1st Joy Robinson
2nd Geoff Taylor
3rd Janelle Conroy
4th Terrence Sheedy
5th Barbara Tait
Monday 30 May 22 – 7 Table Mitchell – Third week Remembrance Pairs Competition
N/S E/W
1st David Ting / Eric Goodchild 1st Geoff Taylor / Nancy Martin
2nd Janelle Conroy / Terrence Sheedy 2nd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley
3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Jan Harris 3rd Robert Carless / Barbara Tait
Tuesday 31 May 22 – 7 Table Nationwide Novice Pairs
N/S E/W
1st Richard Wix / Mary Cruickshank 1st Mary Rose Ramsden / Carmel Brown
2nd Carol Gaskell / Ian Gaskell 2nd Ted Cullinan / Noel Saunders
3rd Geoff Cowan / Sandy Patterson 3rd Sandra Morris / Joy Block
Wednesday 1 June 22 – Nationwide Pairs
N/S E/W
1st Janelle Conroy / Alan Brown 1st Josie Crowley / Barbara Tait
2nd Joyce Deguara / Mary Cruickshank 2nd Debra Goodchild / Ming Ting
3rd Ted Cullinan / Geoff Taylor 3rd Monica Darley / Kath Poole
4th Anne Lutz / Gwen Liddell 4th Diane Holewa / Max Holewa
Thursday Night 2 June 22 – 9 Pair Howel
1st Marilin Robins / Doone Mitchell
2nd Terrence Sheedy / Jan Harris
3rd Mick King / Patricia Garner
4th Elrae Trueman / Faith Hutchinson
Friday 3 June 22 – 7 Table Mitchell
N/S E/W
1st Terrence Sheedy / Janelle Conroy 1st Eric Goodchild / Richard Wix
2nd Joy Robinson / Geoff Taylor 2nd Christine Nice / Maria Setiyawan
3rd Helen Van Den Broek / Don Poole 3rd Victor Mason / Josie Crowley
Saturday 4 June 22 – Whitsunday Zone Teams
Winning Teams
1st Janelle Conroy / Max Holewa / Diane Holewa / Terrence Sheedy / Noel Bugeia
2nd Frances Brown / Diane Morgan / Marilin Robins / Alan Brown / Janet Hansen
3rd Geoff Taylor / Ian Cruickshank / Joy Robinson / Ken Seaniger
4th Lorna Shuttlewood / Doone Mitchell / Faye Wright / Christine Nice
Joy Robinson won the Remembrance Pairs Competition

North Mackay Bowls Club Wins The Men’s Division 2 Pennant
On Sunday, team manager Chris Banney fronted up with his three teams to play Northern Beaches at our club. The winner of this game looked likely to win the pennant, with Northern Beaches a few points ahead of North Mackay holding second place.
North Mackay’s three teams won their matches to take the 6 points and win the pennant, taking out the Mackay and district Division 2 championship, so it looks like we will be in division 1 next year. Congratulations to all three teams who played well all year to get back into division 1. The last time this happened was in 2016, with several of the same team members still playing this year.
Club Championships
Last Friday, the final of the club three bowl triples championship was played between Bert Hobbs, Chris and Scott Banney and Alex Cameron, Peter Grant and Clive Wales. This time Clive’s team came out the winners by five points, in a very close and exciting game.
Last Saturday the final of the A grade singles club championship was played between last year’s club champion Chris Banney and Clint Vassie. In a very tight and thrilling game Chris came out winning by just three points, 25-22 so is the club champion for 2022. There is always next year, Clint!
Social Bowls
Monday winners were Maryann Bartolo and Carmel Bell followed by S. Canham and Peter Shepherd. Lucky draws went to Tony Allsop and Errol Symons.
Wednesday ladies winners were B. Trannore, M. Goldston and E. Buckton, followed by C. Reseck and P. Lewis.
Thursday winners were Jan Little and Maryanne Bartolo with Chrissy Hall and Jessie Haber in second spot. Greens vouchers went to Ron and Sylvia Maikler. The kitty toucher jackpots.
Contributed by Tony Allsop
Clint Vassie and Chris Banney. Chris won the club singles title
The winners of the second division Mackay District pennants competition.
Back Row: Peter Grant, Bert Hobbs, Mick Walsh, Ron Bowers, Ian McDonald, John Priest, Dave McKendry
Front Row: John Kennell, Clive Wales, Clint Vassie, Ken Lane, Tony Allsop, Greg McLean, Graeme Hawke, Chris Banney. Absent: Col Carey